Giants or Grasshoppers

The Israelites were finally at the Promised Land when Moses sent 12 men to spy out the Promised Land. They’ve survived the years of slavery, they watched the miraculous plagues on the Egyptians, they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, and they ate manna. If that wasn’t enough, they saw the visible presence of God as a cloud by day and a fire by night.

However, 10 of the 12 spies gave a bad report of the giants in the land and compared themselves as grasshoppers. Instead of focusing on the greatness and power of God who brought them out of Egypt—they compared themselves to the inhabitants of the land and become discouraged. This spread through the camp like a wildfire on a dry day and many of the Israelites couldn’t believe God. As a result, only Caleb and Joshua would live to see and enjoy the Promised Land.

Before we can judge the Israelites, we must take a good look at ourselves. Many times the Lord will place what seems to be an impossible idea in our hearts and minds. We are initially excited just like the Israelites, but soon find ourselves incredibly discouraged when we face difficulty in the journey. Just because it gets hard doesn’t mean that we are to give up on the calling.

James Hudson Taylor wrote, “There are three stages in the work of God: impossible, difficult, done.” As long we are looking at ourselves in comparison to the journey ahead, we will see grasshoppers. However if we keep our eyes on God, we recognize that everything we need is available in Him. Our strength to accomplish His will is established as we step out in faith and believe in God against all odds.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you and not on my limitations. I know that I can accomplish everything you called me to do in Christ’s name. Amen.

In His Service,

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